the train show!

We took a family field trip to see the Holiday Train Show on a drizzly Sunday afternoon, followed by dinner on Arthur Avenue.

© all photos by me

windows at bergdorf goodman

Not quite as spectacular as last years, but still pretty breathtaking.

© all photos by me

house on the rock

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that one of our weekend adventures was a visit to House on the Rock. Bear with me as I try to explain what this is...if you follow this blog regularly, then you already know that I am a fan of unconventional experiences, but House on the Rock might be the most unconventional yet.

The "house" is actually a complex of structures built and designed by Alex Jordan over the course of his lifetime. An avid collector and inventor, the complex features music machines, extensive and varied collections (from doll houses to scrimshaw to cash registers) and the world's largest indoor carousel. 

If it sounds confusing, that's because it is. It's also incredibly dark inside, making photos near impossible to shoot (hence the random assortment here). It's suggested to allow six hours for your visit. We were there for four, leaving only because the property was closing.

Nautical memorabilia:

Music machines:

World's largest carousel (valued at over $4.8 million!):

There is also a restaurant on site (please note the "brat" option):

It's a random place in a random location, but if you ever find yourself in that part of the world, don't hesitate for a second to visit. I guarantee that you've never seen anything like it!
© all photos by me

windows at bergdorf goodman

Incredible.

Photos by me.

new york historical society

The New York Historical Society is the city's oldest museum. It just underwent a three year renovation making it the city's newest museum as well. My favorite section was the Center for Study of American Culture with over 40,000 objects from American life (images above and below).

All photos by me.

birth-date, day 2

Day 2 of the birth-date weekend couldn't have been more opposite than day 1. We spent the day seeing free art in Manhattan - in stores, office lobbies, restaurants and public spaces. Some of my favorites were the Ruan Hoffmann exhibit at the Anthropologie gallery at Rockefeller Center (above). We also visited the David LaChapelle piece at Lever House (these kinda look like the chains I have in my office....except with naked ladies..ha!).

 We ogled the mid-century beauty of the Four Seasons restaurant in the Seagram building:

 Another stop was to see Moveable Type in the New York Times building:

Additionally, we looked at the James Turrell installation at 505 5th Avenue and Jenny Holzer's work at 7 World Trade Center. I so recommended visiting some of these places - such a fun way to discover New York!

display only

You know, in case you were tempted.

tinga

Relatively new Tinga is pretty delicious, although I am somewhat swayed because it's both walkable from my apartment and reminds me of Nopalito. On a plus side, I really enjoyed the watermelon lemonade....

...their extremely spicy pibil tacos...

and the exterior Wooly Pockets!

The downside? No booze! And I didn't love the chicken taco, so don't get that one if you go.

book wallpaper!

I successfully made my own version of the book wallpaper I posted about last week. I am THRILLED with how it came out (although I am finding it near impossible to take a photo that shows what it actually looks like). Here is the best view:

Want to make your own? It's incredibly easy - stay tuned for a DIY tutorial tomorrow!